Cycling glasses are there to protect your eyes from UV, wind, insects and debris, but ever since Fausto Coppi dominated Grand Tours in his tortoiseshell aviators, they have also become central to a rider's style, even their identity. They say who you are as a rider – if you are a campionissimo, then broadcast it via your eyewear.
Modern cycling glasses come in all shapes and sizes – there’s a pair to suit every level of ambition, head shape and budget. But, before you settle on your new signature style, it’s definitely worth getting a second opinion on the function side. Are they comfortable, will they stay in place, is there adjustability, will they steam up at the traffic lights and are they tough, durable and do they represent good value for money?
That’s where we come in. All the glasses in this guide have been ridden and reviewed by a member of the Rouleur team.
In some of our articles you will find links to buy products from various external retailers. These links contain an affiliate code, and it means that Rouleur may receive a small percentage of the money you spend if you choose to buy that product via the link. This does not affect the amount you pay. All products are independently reviewed and selected on our judgement of them, not on whether they offer us affiliate revenue.
KOO Spectro
KOO’s full frame, high-performing Spectro sunglasses have a great field of vision and look sleek too
Photo by Alessandra Bucci
KOO is an Italian eyewear brand that specialises in high-performing, technical eyewear for skiing, running and cycling. The brand’s mission is to find the perfect balance between technicality, safety, functionality and design, and the Spectro road cycling sunglasses have done just that.
At first glance the Spectro glasses are quite a dramatic shape with very pointed frames. While this did take some time to get used to in terms of look, this was one of the aspects I liked the most when using them out on the road. The large frames when I was looking ahead did not block any of my view or distract me. It was only when I turned to look over my shoulder that the sides of the frames did make it difficult to see fully behind, instead I had to make a conscious effort to turn to head to properly look over my shoulder.
Despite this, the lens clarity was excellent thanks to KOO’s Zeiss polycarbonate lens, which is one of the brand’s unique features across all its products. I opted for the bronze and black Spectro sunglasses, and the bronze lens, with 12% visible light transmission (VLT), worked particularly well when I was out riding when the sun was low in the sky, stopping any puddles or wet roads from being blindingly bright.
Four vents that sit at the top and bottom of the frames prevent any fogging, while also adding another element of the sunglasses design. Grippers on the bridge of the nose and on the frame arms also kept the sunglasses in place throughout my rides. The sunglasses light weight and secure fit often made it feel like I had no glasses actually on my face.
The Spectros do perform very well and have a unique but sleek design. You are also able to change the lenses depending on whether you would like more or less light being let in, but these additional lenses do come at a cost on top of the basic price point for the glasses. However, KOO has produced the Spectro’s in 10 different colours and varieties, so there are plenty of options to pick from to perfectly match every cycling outfit in your wardrobe.
Pros
- Secure fit
- Great ventilation
- Brilliant clarity
- Great range of colours
Cons
- Only come with one lens and no case
- Maybe too dramatic shape for some face shapes
Reviewed by India Paine
Buy now at KOO
Bollé C-Shifter
Stylish and high-performance sunglasses which will be ideal if you struggle with finding the perfect fit for your face
French brand Bollé might not be one that immediately comes to mind when searching for some new shades, but the performance of these glasses really does match up to some of the better known options on the market. Also makers of snow goggles and helmets, Bollé knows a thing or two about creating lenses for high-adrenaline sports which puts kit to the test against the elements.
The Bollé C-Shifters are dubbed the brand’s ‘performance’ sunglasses and feature Bollé’s patented Thermogrip temple tips which I found gave a strong grip across the head, ensuring the glasses didn’t slip down. The adjustable nose piece was also a big help to ensure I could get my perfect fit.
I tested the C-Shifters with Bollé’s new Volt+ lens, said to be “the first sunglass lens ever created using Artificial Intelligence.” This means that all colours were enhanced when wearing the glasses and they gave improved depth perception as well as reduced glare, so I could see more while out on the road. The glasses didn’t steam up when stationary at traffic lights thanks to the vented lens, either.
The frames felt sturdy and durable but the glasses maintain a light weight which aids comfort. This, combined with the tight fit that can be created with the nose piece, means that the C-Shifters have an impressive, barely-there feel. The cylindrical lens shape helped too – I didn’t have the frame of the glasses in my field of vision at all while riding.
The RRP are lower than that of many other high-performance glasses and these are a great option if you want to stand out from the crowd in a lesser known brand.
Pros:
- Great performance in bright conditions
- Tight fit across the nose
- Adjustable nose piece
Cons:
- Shape may not suit everyone
- Does not come with a clear lens
Buy now at Bollé
Reviewed by: Rachel Jary
Alba Optics Stratos
Quite the fashion statement, but these glasses are great in low light conditions and have adjustable arms to help achieve the right fit
Photo by Alessandra Bucci
Italian brand Alba Optics says its aim is to "bring iconic sunglass shapes of the past back to life" and the Stratos model certainly fits this bill.
The wide lens has a unique and retro look, in keeping with the trend of bigger glasses. From a technical standpoint, the standout feature of these sunglasses is the VZUM lens, which Alba Optics says should enhance colour saturation and balance visual contrasts. I found this lens to give an extremely clear view and the photochromatic qualities meant that the glasses could be used in a variety of light conditions.
The central vertical vent in the lens also works well to let steam out, ensuring that they don’t mist over when stopped at traffic lights. I also liked the light weight of the Stratos glasses; their minimalist construction means that they have a ‘barely there’ feel when on. While the glasses only come with one lens out of the box, if you do purchase another one off the Alba Optics website, the system for switching lenses is easy and quick. As a rider who sometimes struggles to find the right fit of glasses for my face shape, the adjustable arms on the Stratos glasses were a huge plus, helping to keep the glasses in shape and ensuring they were firmly hooked around my ear.
There is no option to adjust the nosepiece of the glasses, though, and this would help even further with getting the right fit and ensuring that they stay firmly in place when riding.
The larger size of these glasses won’t be for everyone, and while the wide lens does give added wind protection, it takes some getting used to for the first couple of rides.
This is a premium pair of shades, so I would have liked a hard case to come with the Stratos glasses to ensure they are protected while not in use.
Pros:
- Easy interchangeable lens
- Adjustable arms
- Work well in low light conditions
Cons:
- The style will not suit smaller face shapes
- Don’t come with a hard case
- No adjustment options on the nose piece
Find a retailer at Alba Optics
Reviewed by: Rachel Jary
Oakley Jawbreaker Prizm
A now constant in Oakley's cycling line-up, the Jawbreakers are some of the best fitting and versatile glasses around, but the clarity of the Prizm lens is the standout feature
Photo by Alessandra Bucci
The current iteration of the Oakley Jawbreaker has been around since 2015, and has remained a pro and amateur stalwart despite a proliferated cycling sunglasses market.
The shape and height of the frames is one of the best all-round offerings for vision and protection that I’ve used, particularly front-facing in the drops, save for the slightly annoying O logo on each side which occasionally invades your peripherals.
It’s the fit and the lens of the Jawbreakers that have kept me coming back though. They’re one of the best fitting cycling sunglasses I’ve used, sitting firmly in position on the nose thanks to the interchangeable nosepiece and adjustable arms.
The Prizm Road lenses are the standout feature here though (available across Oakley’s road range), offering sharp, crisp clarity that helps you pick out hazards in the road as well as offering protection.
Interchanging the lenses is also one of the Jawbreaker’s key selling points, with Oakley’s Switchlock system useful in not making it feel like you’ll break your glasses every time you want to change the lens.
They’re still fairly pricey considering how long they’ve been around, but having used a pair for the best part of six years, I can say they’d certainly be a lasting investment.
Pros
- Exceptional lens
- Secure fit
- Easy lens switching
Cons
- Logo disrupting peripheral vision
Buy now at Oakley
Reviewed by: Richard Windsor
Van Rysel RoadR 900
As worn by Decathlon-AG2R La Mondiale, these might just be the most affordable glasses in the WorldTour – but you wouldn't know it
The Van Rysel RCR Pro made headlines for being the ‘WorldTour’s most affordable bike’ and the RoadR 900 glasses that the Decathlon-AG2R La Mondiale team have been wearing are very likely to be the eyewear equivalents.
As with the bike, which we reviewed very favourably, nothing about the Van Rysel glasses suggests that they’re at least half the price of rival WorldTour-worn models. They’re on trend with their big lenses, expansive coverage and clean design. All of the essentials such as 100% UV protection (in accordance with ISO standards) are in place, with the category 3 lens filtering 88% of light according to Decathlon. That means they’re quite dark and, as the spec notes, not suitable for cloudy weather in winter.
Despite the obvious Oakley Sutro influence, they’re not just a copy of the glasses from the more established eyewear brands: at 23g they’re actually lighter than most (including the Sutro), and, with the very springy arms which kink inwards, they are very comfortable and it’s easy to forget you’re wearing them. The kink also stops them slipping out of a helmet’s sunglasses port. This is designed to work with Van Rysel’s own helmet, the RCR-F, but I wore it with other brands’ models and found it worked equally well.
Decathlon says the glasses are for “medium to large faces” and come in one size, but such is the springiness of the arms that those with smaller heads can wear them without slippage.
Cheap and light usually means not strong, but I’ve found these are as tough as any – useful since they don’t come with a hard case. Scratch resistance is also good, and they come with a two-year warranty. There are three frame colours to choose from – white, black or translucent ‘chlorophyll green’.
Downsides? They don’t have the features of some more expensive models: there’s no adjustable nosepiece, replaceable lens or bendable arms, but they’re still incredible value for money and, as Decathlon/Van Rysel would point out, if they’re good enough for a WorldTour team they’re good enough for you and me.
Pros
- Great value for money
- Very light
- Fits a wide range of head sizes
Cons
- Lack of adjustability
- No hard case
Buy now at Decathlon
Review by Simon Smythe
Rapha Pro Team Full Frame
Rapha's full frame glasses look sleek and have an excellent fit, while the lens performs particularly well in dappled light
Released in 2020, Rapha’s Pro Team Full Frame sunglasses are geared towards racing and training – essentially, road cycling glasses for every occasion. And that’s what they are, a solid all-rounder. While they may not have the statement style of some of the other brands’ glasses, they look sleek and pair well with most helmets.
In terms of performance, I found they sat quite high on my nose but gripped well with the adjustable nose piece. I especially like the rubber grippers on the arms, which kept the glasses solidly in place. They’re a tad bigger than other full frame glasses like the Jawbreakers, but I was impressed with the fit.
The lenses themselves (I used the pink/blue lenses), feature something called Rider Optimised Surface Enhancement (ROSE), according to Rapha, which is meant to enhance the contrast between light and dark. I thought these worked really well throughout my rides, but especially thought they thrived in those dappled light areas under trees which can often prove a problem.
They’re pretty fog resistant too thanks to the vertical vents on either side of the lenses, but I did find these intruded on my peripheral vision quite a bit when I first started using them. Like with every set of sunglasses, you eventually adjust to these bugbears, and while they performed well, it’s something for Rapha to consider adjusting in any next iterations.
Pros
- Good ventilation
- Secure fit
- Lens performs well
Cons
- Vents intrude peripheral vision
Buy now at Rapha
Reviewed by: Richard Windsor
Oakley Encoder
The Encoder glasses are a daring and forward thinking development in Oakley’s cycling range. They fit well, look cool, and are close to being perfect save for one annoyance
Photo by Alessandra Bucci
The Oakley Encoder sunglasses aim to do what most other frameless sunglasses do not – provide a clear, wide field of view without being flimsy or easily breakable. For the most part, they achieve this exceptionally. They feel just as strong as framed glasses, and the lens is as good as you’d expect from Oakley.
To create this strength without a frame, firstly the top of the Oakley Encoder lens is curved and reinforced. That works in strengthening them, but it doesn’t really add to the visibility, so essentially defeats the purpose. Still, it looks cool and retains the frameless vibe.
The second point of development is around the nose, where the lens is reinforced and flared outwards. To avoid any distorted vision, this area has been blocked off by an extended nose pad, creating the most aggravating feature of these glasses. It’s difficult not to notice this in the centre of your vision, and I’ve had a hard time forgetting it’s there.
It’s a shame because I like everything about these sunglasses; they fit securely and look good with any helmet I’ve used, plus the arms have been designed to not interfere with your helmet or hat, which worked.
I used the Prizm Road black lens and the Prizm Trail lens versions. The former is great for very sunny, clear days, although I’m not a huge fan of the look of the all black lens. The latter though was super impressive and I love these low light lenses for increased visibility during off-road riding and road riding in gloomy conditions.
The Encoders retail for more than many of their competitors. At over £200 they're a significant investment. If you can get past the nose pad though, you’ll have an exceptional and versatile set of cycling sunglasses.
Pros
- Superb fit
- Great coverage
- Stiff and sturdy frameless sunglasses
- Plenty of lens choices
Cons
- Nose pad in centre of vision
- Expensive
Buy now at Sigma Sports
Reviewed by Richard Windsor
SunGod Airas
It's no surprise that SunGod is rapidly rising to fame in the cycling sunglasses world; the Airas are comfortable, have a great field of vision and, best of all, can be fully customised free of charge
Photo by Alessandra Bucci
SunGod is a brand which recently shot to fame after it took over from Oakley as sponsors of British WorldTour team, Ineos Grenadiers. The company has invested a huge amount of money in its marketing, asserting itself as a big player in the sunglasses industry. SunGod makes glasses for both running and snow sports, but the Airas are the model which the brand recommends specifically for cycling, and these will be worn in the WorldTour this year.
The process of ordering a pair of SunGod glasses is an exciting one from start to finish; the glasses are fully customisable in terms of colour. You can pick your frame, lenses, icons and ear socks free of charge, but an upgrade to have both the Zero and Base frame options has an additional cost. The glasses come with four nose piece sizes making it easy to adjust them to your preferred fit, although I did still find that the Airas sat slightly further away from my face than I would have liked meaning wind can go over the top of the lens and into my eyes on fast descents. The nosepiece does ensure they stay firmly in pace, though.
I went for clear 8KO lenses which offered great clarity and a super wide field of view, and they didn’t obstruct my peripheral vision at all, even with the bottom of the frame attached too. It would be nice if SunGod offered the clear lens in the box with a coloured one as standard, but the customisation options make up for this misgiving. The SunGod Airas come in at a really reasonable price for unique glasses with the performance levels that fit in with the WorldTour.
Pros:
- Custom colour options at no extra cost
- Unique and stylish look
- Great clarity and unobstructed view
- Four nose piece sizes
Cons:
- Could sit closer to the face
- No adjustable arm length
Buy now at SunGod
Reviewed by: Rachel Jary
100% S3
The S3 glasses are loud and proud, coming in a range of wacky colour options. It’s not just about the look though, they also have a great fit and lens
100% is a brand which has always been synonymous with motocross, but more recently it has forayed into BMX, downhill and road cycling. Its key prevalence in the road scene occurred when three-time world champion Peter Sagan wore 100% glasses to Tour de France stage wins and a Paris-Roubaix victory.
The 100% S3 sunglasses feature a fashionably wide Ultra HD lens which gives great clarity and a wide field of view thanks to its oversized nature. The lens is hard-coated to be scratch resistant, but a spare lens also comes in the box if it does incur any damage. Also in the box is an alternative fit nose pad, but I found the glasses to be extremely secure and comfortable with the nose piece they came with, likely thanks to the grippy material on the nose and temple tips. The lower air scoops on the glasses help to increase ventilation while reducing moisture on the lens, meaning that they don’t steam up when riding and are well-ventilated. The lens sits close to the forehead, which is great when you are riding in a forward, aero position, but it does mean that sweat is more likely to drip onto the lens when riding. This is exacerbated by the fact that mirrored lenses are tricky to keep clean, but 100% does send the glasses with a microfibre cleaning bag.
The 100% S3 glasses are priced below many of its premium rivals – iconic glasses which are about more than just the look too, with great clarity and ventilation.
Pros:
- Lots of unique design options
- Huge amount of coverage and protection
- Comfortable
Cons:
- Difficult to keep clean
- Sweat drips onto lens
Reviewed by Rachel Jary
Buy now at Sigma Sports
Salice 022
They're made in Italy and they come with two lenses and a hard case, but the Salices cost considerably less than most premium models from the big eyewear brands
Like the Van Rysel RoadR 900 glasses, the Salice 022s have a definite Oakley Sutro look about them but, like the French glasses, they also undercut them on price and on closer inspection they’re more than just lookalikes.
They’re made at Salice’s own factory in Italy and that, for starters, is a big selling point for a lot of people. The pair I reviewed are decorated with the colours of the Italian tricolour just so that no one is left in any doubt over their provenance. But other graphics and colourways are available – there's an impressive choice, in fact.
The 022s have an interchangeable lens and come with two. The ‘Black ITA’ model I tested comes with a cat 3 mirror lens that protects against 100% of UV, and in the box is a spare clear one for winter riding. It’s an easy job to replace them – the frames have enough flex that the lens snaps into place quickly.
If they’re going head to head – or eye to eye – with the Van Rysel glasses, it’s worth noting that the Salice frames – made from Grilamid TR90, a common type of polyamide that’s good for sports glasses aren’t quite as springy and invisible-feeling, and the Salices overall weigh a few grams more.
They don’t have the small venting slots of the Van Rysel glasses (then again, neither do the Sutros), but I found they didn’t fog up – the canted-forward position ensures enough air gets in, especially riding in an aggressive position, and that moment when the first streak of sweat hits the inside of the lens is longer coming than with other glasses I’ve worn. Additionally, when it does come, it doesn’t leave too bad a mark – probably due to the hydrophobic coating.
Like the Van Rysels, there’s no adjustability and I’d say the Salices don’t fit quite the same range of head sizes, so trying a pair first would be a good idea.
Pros
- Affordable
- Made in Italy
- Comes with two lenses and a hard case
Cons
- No adjustability
Buy now at Salice
Review by Simon Smythe
Rapha Explore
With features specifically designed for riding off-road, these are a great pair of sunglasses for gravel riding and have plenty of accessories to help find the perfect fit and style
It’s fair to say that Rapha is a brand which has embraced the world of gravel riding with serious enthusiasm. So much so that it has created specific eyewear for the discipline, with the Rapha Explore glasses now sitting above the Pro Team glasses in the brand’s range of eyewear. The Explore glasses feature Rapha’s own proprietary, interchangeable lens, megol grippers on the arms and an adjustable nose piece, all of which are said to be optimised for riding on the rough stuff, but also suitable for road riding too.
Perhaps the most important feature in a pair of sunglasses is the lens, and Rapha’s Explore glasses excel in this area. They don’t steam up when riding, are extremely clear and the lack of a lower frame means that peripheral vision isn’t obstructed when riding. Rapha describes the glasses as having Rider Optimised Surface Enhancement, which they say helps spot hazards sooner. This is hard to quantify, but the lens does highlight particular colours and contrasts between different surfaces, ensuring that you have optimum clarity on the trails. The holes at the top of the glasses help to ensure that they don’t steam up, but I did find them a little bit distracting as light seeped through them when riding along.
The grippers on the arms ensure the glasses stay in place while slotted on the helmet, and a strap to wear them around the neck is a really nice option to have on long endurance rides. The glasses also come with a clear lens and different nose piece which allows customisation, and are extremely lightweight. The Rapha Explore glasses are more expensive than other options, but they do come with plenty of accessories and an undeniably premium feel.
Pros:
- Good range of accessories
- Clear lens option
- Nice packaging and hard case
Cons:
- Holes at the top of lens are distracting
- Shape will not be to everyone’s taste
Reviewed by Rachel Jary
Buy now at Rapha
Oakley Radar EV Path
Understated, safe and comfortable, these are some of the most popular Oakley sunglasses on the market and are great for a range of riding conditions
Photo: Alessandra Bucci
Oakley’s Radar glasses certainly aren’t new to the market, the American brand first released Radars way back in 2006. The latest iteration of the glasses is the Radar EV Path model, with EV standing for ‘extended view’, as the lens is slightly wider than the previous version. The 'Path' part of the name refers to the lens shape of the glasses, the bottom edge is a concave curve whereas Oakley's Pitch lens has a very slightly convex curve. Radar EV Path and Pitch lenses are interchangeable which gives a couple of different options when it comes to the shape.
The EV feature means that the Radar EV Path glasses give a nice, wide field of view, even when in a low riding position. This means light doesn’t seep through the top of the glasses and isn’t distracting when riding along. Although the lens does curve around the face, this doesn’t impact the optics of the glasses at all, making Oakley’s Radar some of the best on the market when it comes to field of vision. There are multiple options of Prizm lenses to choose from depending on what conditions you will be riding in – my glasses have the Ruby lens which is great for bright sunlight. The vents across the top of the glasses ensure that they don’t steam up when riding, and if they do when stopped, they clear quickly once you’re on the move again.
The Oakley Radar EV glasses slot nicely into the helmet and stay secure thanks to the grippy socks on the end of the arms. The arms aren’t adjustable which does mean there are limitations in terms of fit customisation, but I’ve always found them flexible and comfortable enough to work with any helmet I’ve worn. The grippy fabric is also used on the nose piece which ensures that the glasses stay firmly in place even when things get sweaty. This is a great pair of sunglasses which are at home in races and training at a reasonable price.
Pros:
- Great for smaller face shapes
- Quick-clearing lens
- Comfortable and secure fit
Cons:
Reviewed by: Rachel Jary
